BMW and MINI have both diversified their smartphone integration that
started with iOS to include the Android platform. Yet the iPhone and iOS
remain the most important mobile platform for either brand. So it only
makes sense for us (and many of you) to take note when Apple releases a
completely new iPhone. Especially one that includes a new connector. So
what does it mean for current an future MINI owners? Read on to find
out.

First off it means your current iPhone dock (yes that $200 accessory
you may have bought for your armrest) will not work with the iPhone 5.
We’ve been assured by MINI that an update to the part should be coming
in early 2013. What about the “Y” cable that connects your phone to the
USB port in the car? Again that’s expected late this year or early next.
But the good news on that front is that Apple will sell you (for a
slightly eye-watering $30) an adapter that converts the previous
iPhone/iPod connector to the new lightening connector standard on all
new iPhones and iPods.

Speaking of iPods the new Nano has gained the all important Bluetooth
option. For the first time this will allow the Nano to stream music
wirelessly to any BMW or MINI that supports streaming audio via
Bluetooth.

One thing to note; MINI and BMW Connected will not be affected by the
upgrades to the iPhone or the iPod Touch. However neither will run on
the iPod Nano.

The BMW Isetta is practically a base commoner compared to the rare nobility in the collection, like the 1957 Messerschmitt – yes, that Messerschmitt – KR201 and Messerschmitt Tiger, the Goggomobil Transporter, Voisin Biscooters and the world’s single Mivalino. Nevertheless, there are some special Isetta’s in the fold, including a German police version, a pickup and an Isetta turned into a Hot Wheels build called the “Whattadrag” with a 502-cubic-inch Chevrolet engine boasting 730 horsepower.

Alongside the hundreds of cars will go hundreds of collectibles from the 1940s to 1960s, like neon signs, kiddie rides, scale models, vending machines and candy dispensers. There’s a press release below, with a video on the auction and a clip on the museum from the History Channel’s Modern Marvels.

Fresh from recording all 205 National Anthems to be played at this summer’s games, the London Philharmonic Orchestra has teamed up with MINI for one more performance. All stand please for conductor Gareth Newman and the London 2012 Limited Edition MINI’s unique tribute to Team GB.
With just 2,012 made, you can test drive a genuine piece of history by coming in to Ferman MINI of Tampa Bay.

BMW and Toyota…strange bedfellows?

I am admittedly a bit of a car snob. To me, Toyota is a great commuter car perfectly capable of transporting the masses from point A to point B just fine. But how many times have you heard…”Oh, take a look at that Camry… nice!” not… ever. Or, “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of that Prius”. Your more likely to hear “Get me out from behind this (fill in the blank) Prius.”

No, I am not trying to insult any Toyota owners that are reading this. And if I have, please accept my apologies (pun intended). I’ve been there myself, driving whatever “appliance” out of pure necessity and that’s OK. But once you’ve crossed that line from commuter to driver, it’s hard to go back.

This leads me to my initial uneasiness with the thought of BMW and Toyota joining forces in the name of creating a future sports car like hybrid, muddling the division of the “German vs Japanese” camps I’ve created in my mind. But changes are – a – coming and these changes are desperately needed. The possibilities are there, as Toyota did ship in a prototype platform of the next generation IQ to Munich in order for BMW to do a test with the Rocketman proposal. One key benefit is that Toyota has engineered the next generation platform to offer various drive concepts, something which has excited BMW’s engineers and marketing department with their intended goals for a production Rocketman. Should the car get the green-light, then BMW would do the in-house chassis engineering so at least it offers the MINI fun factor expected with any MINI.

The good thing about the entire Rocketman project is that BMW understands the need for the car to have character, in exterior and interior design, personalization and of course how the car drives. Get that right and success should surely follow.

MINI does have some exciting ideas in relation to progressive concepts. It is only now that it looks possible that they will now see the light of day thanks to this partnership. If this marriage creates a fun, quality “environmentally friendly ” sports car then bring it on.